Future Prospects Tournament underway in Anaheim

May 16, 2014

The second of two Future Prospects Tournament (FPT) Series, an innovative and unique event designed to provide the younger developing teenage hockey player with an experience that will prepare and expose them to the future paths of the NAHL developmental hockey ladder, begins today in Anaheim, California.

The first event in Middletown, New Jersey held from April 25-27, experienced great success and got some rave reviews. There were four teams for each age group for a total of eight teams and over 130 players. Scouts in attendance included those from the NAHL, NA3HL, NAPHL and USPHL. Another great turnout is expected in Anaheim.

“We wanted to start the first events with one on the west coast and one on the east coast. We chose Middletown, New Jersey and Anaheim, California, because they are both members of our NAPHL league, each have strong youth hockey programs and great facilities. Our first event in New Jersey proved to be a huge success. It was easy to get to for families, the arena and its staff were first-class and there was great seating and sight lines for parents, scouts and fans to watch the action,” said Coordinator of Player Personnel Craig Barnett, who is heading up the two events.

The Future Prospects Tournament (FPT) Series in Anaheim will feature players with birth years from 1998-2001 and will be divided into two age groups at each event. Group A will be players with 1998 or 1999 birth years and Group B will be players with 2000 or 2001 birth years. Each team consists of 17 players: ten (10) forwards, five (5) defensemen and two (2) goaltenders. Each team will play in four games, three round-robin games and one playoff game.

The Future Prospects Tournament (FPT) Series is designed to provide exposure and education for hockey players that strive to play junior hockey in a premier league like the NAHL. Now in its 38th season, the NAHL is one of the top junior leagues under the USA Hockey umbrella. Over 175 players make NCAA commitments annually which proves that the NAHL is one of the best at developing its players and ultimately providing an opportunity to move onto the next level. This is due in large part to the unique and established league-wide events schedule and ladder of development model, which continues to draw attention and praise from the entire hockey community, most notably college and professional scouts.

At the event, players will be introduced and exposed to junior hockey and in particular, the NAHL, NA3HL as well as the NAPHL (Tier I Midget Hockey). The players will be introduced to and provided with a weekend that involves the ‘NAHL Experience,’ which will consist of competitive hockey, education of the future levels of hockey, academic preparation for NCAA hockey and exposure to professional, college, and junior scouts. This includes seminars that discuss the NAHL junior hockey experience, the ladder of development, as well as, NCAA compliance seminars. Guest speakers will include those from the NAHL and NCAA.